When Corbin Zachary signs with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) during a ceremony at 3:15 p.m. Friday in the Russellville High School (RHS) cafeteria, he will have accomplished a goal he set in junior high school.

“My family is a big military family. My dad served. His dad served. I’ve always looked at military service as my main option, but when I was in junior high I realized I could get a better education at an academy, so I chose that route inside.” he said.

Zachary, who started at cornerback for the Cyclones football program, didn’t realize how long the process would take. The USAFA doesn’t take just anyone — candidates for admission are judged on their academic success, athletic achievement, demonstration of leadership and character. To gain admission, candidates must pass a fitness test, undergo a thorough medical examination and secure a nomination, which typically comes from a member of Congress in the candidate’s home district.

“There’s not a set GPA that you have to have,” Zachary said. “But when they look at candidates, they look for well-rounded students. They want kids who play sports, have good grades and are involved with the community.”

Zachary said his time under Russellville head football coach Jeff Holt proved invaluable in accomplishing his dreams. Two-a-day workouts in August, practices and working together with teammates on Friday nights prepared him for the physical aspect of the USAFA admission process.

“It’s really helped a lot because the process of getting into the academy is the physical test. You have to run a mile, do sit-ups and push-ups. It’s not just mental, it’s physical as well,” he explained.

“There’s an aspect you really have to stay in shape for, and coach Holt helped with that just going through football season. He’s always willing to help out his players and he’s always there to push you one step further — to test your limits.”

Recent incoming classes at USAFA have been around 1,200 cadets, of which only 1,000 will historically graduate. Tuition, along with room and board, are paid for by the U.S. Government. In addition to a military training regimen, cadets also take many academic course loads with core curriculum in humanities, engineering, social sciences, basic sciences, military studies and physical education.

The goal is to eventually become an officer in the United States Air Force.

“It goes down to serving your country. I believe everyone should do your part, and I think the best way I can do that is serving the military. That’s why I’d like to go career military,” Zachary said.

Congressman Steve Womack, who nominated Zachary for USAFA, will attend a luncheon at RHS at noon Friday, followed by the official signing in the RHS cafeteria at 3:15 p.m.